Enhancing Soil Health Through Sustainable Practices (original) (raw)
MIcro- and NAno-Plastics in AGRIcultural Soils: Sources, environmental fate and impacts on ecosystem services and overall sustainability
MINAGRIS is assessing the impact of plastic debris in agricultural soils on biodiversity, plant productivity and ecosystem services and their transport and degradation in the environment.
We will provide tools and recommendations for sustainable use of plastic in agriculture at the farm and field levels for ensuring safe and economically viable food systems in Europe.
Minagris Project Overview
Pioneering Sustainable Solutions in Agriculture
Plastic use in agriculture introduces micro- and nano-plastics (MNP) into soils, impacting water dynamics, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity, and potentially affecting farm economies when combined with other pollutants.
MINAGRIS aims to understand and mitigate the impacts of plastic on soil health and farm productivity. The project uses a collaborative approach to raise awareness, reduce contamination, and promote sustainable plastic use, ultimately enhancing Europe’s food systems.
KEY FEATURES
Key features
Our EU-funded initiative consists of numerous work packages and a diverse network of committed partners.
6.9M +
100% funded by the EU
20
Partners across Europe
Updates
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Why we need for joined-up action on agricultural plastics and soil health
Dr Charlotte Chivers The MINAGRIS project hosted its fourth high-level stakeholder forum, bringing together researchers, policy actors, industry…
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MINAGRIS featured in article on the “plastisphere” and soil health
MINAGRIS has been featured in a new article published by CIPA Plasticulture; ‘The plastisphere – a journey from…
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Microplastics and terrestrial ecosystems – impacts on earthworms, springtails and bees
A webinar held on 30 April 2026 brought together researchers from Wageningen University and the Università Cattolica del…
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New research reveals impacts of microplastics, agrochemicals and drought on plant growth
MINAGRIS has published two new factsheets on the impact of microplastics on plant growth and physiology. The factsheets…
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What plastics is MINAGRIS testing in agricultural soils?
By Kat McGregor MINAGRIS researchers are investigating the interactions between agricultural plastics and pesticides, veterinary medicines, and agricultural…
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Innovating bioplastics – an interview with Dr Sara Guerrini, Novamont
We interviewed Dr Sara Guerrini, Agricultural Public Affairs specialist at Novamont, a company collaborating with MINAGRIS, about their…
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How microplastics and agrochemicals affect soil and nitrogen cycling: webinar catch-up
What happens when microplastics mix with pesticides and veterinary medicines in soil? And what does that mean for…
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New research: Microplastics disrupt nutrient uptake in soils and plants when combined with common farm chemicals
Summary New research from MINAGRIS reveals that microplastics in agricultural soils can significantly disrupt the nitrogen cycle—a critical…
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The unseen harvest – how plastic ends up in our carrots
By Dr Dominika Kundel Microplastics contaminate agricultural soil through sewage sludge, irrigation water, tyre particles and farm plastics…
Coming soon
Check out our
upcoming events
16 Sep
Healthy soils for sustainable food: Examining the presence and impacts of plastics in agricultural soils
Comet Louise, Brussels
In our final conference, we present new research that will change the way we think about, and react to, the impact of micro- and nanoplasics (MNP) on soil health and food systems. At our conference, we will: Share new research on the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on soil organisms, water repellency and crop contamination. […]
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Frequently asked questions
What is MINAGRIS?
MINAGRIS (MIcro- and NAno-Plastics in AGRIcultural Soils) is a European-funded research project focused on understanding how micro- and nano-plastics affect agricultural soils, biodiversity, plant productivity, ecosystem services, and sustainability.
Why is soil health important in Europe?
Healthy soil underpins food security, water retention, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. In Europe, increasing plastic use in farming threatens these soil functions. MINAGRIS aims to better understand how reliance on plastics may be affecting soil health.
What are micro-plastics and nano-plastics in agricultural soils?
Micro-plastics are plastic particles typically smaller than 5 mm; nano-plastics are even smaller (often < 1 µm). They originate from plastic debris, agricultural film, mulch, and other plastic inputs, and they may degrade slowly, altering soil structure, microbial life, and pollutant dynamics. MINAGRIS studies their sources, environmental fate, transport, and degradation
What tools and recommendations will MINAGRIS provide to farmers and stakeholders?
The project will develop practical guides, practice abstracts, factsheets, and policy-relevant recommendations aimed at sustainable plastic use on farms. These tools are designed for field-level implementation to reduce soil contamination while maintaining economic viability.
How are we measuring the environmental impacts of plastics in soil?
Methods include field-sampling of soils, lab analysis of micro- and nano-plastic concentrations, experiments to assess effects on plant growth, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and modelling of transport and degradation.